Branden Burnard

Branden Lee Burnard, 38, of Nisswa, died Friday, December 4, 2015 at Essentia Health - St. Joseph's Medical Center surrounded by his loving family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Services will be held Thursday, December 10, 2015 at 11:00AM in the Trailside Center at Pequot Lakes Baptist Church in Pequot Lakes, MN with visitation one hour prior to services. Visitation will be Wednesday night, December 9 from 4 to 7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter.

Branden was born on February 4, 1977 in Brainerd, MN. His parents are Loni Burnard and Greg Petersen. He graduated from Brainerd High School in 1996. Branden married his High School sweetheart, April Buchholz, on May 24, 1997. He and April have lived in Nisswa all of their married life and welcomed two daughters to the world, Brandy and Madison. Branden currently worked for Ferrell Gas Company and served as a Volunteer Fire Fighter with the Nisswa Fire Department for 13 and a half years. He was also actively involved with F.I.R.E. Inc, Nisswa First Responders, and Minnesota Fire Service Certification Board. Branden had a passion for the community, especially volunteering at any opportunity he could. He gave back at any chance possible, even during these last years and months with his own battle with cancer. Living a life motto of "family first," Branden loved any opportunity to spend time with his family. He loved going to all of his girls' activities, outdoor movies on the lawn, and teaching for Fire Inc.
Branden was preceded in death by his grandparents Tudy Burnard, Pearl and Ernest Burnard and Maxine Petersen. He will be deeply missed and is survived by his loving wife, April; his daughters, Brandy and Madison; mother, Loni Burnard (Randy Billman); father, Greg Petersen; grandpas George Burnard and Kenny Petersen; Aunts Beth Burnard, Kim (Marty) Judd, and Jamie Burnard, uncles, cousins and special friends.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.